Job Description

Performing Arts Teachers at Uncommon Schools train communication skill through musical theatre. They hold responsibility for the implementation of Uncommon Schools’ performing arts curriculum and the success of its students. This performance-based program, which teaches during the school day, ensures that students perform multiple times annually. Our Performing Arts Mission Statement: Uncommon NSA-CP Performing Arts team is an inclusive collective of anti-racist artist activists, dedicated to closing the opportunity gap by training confident communicators through theatre, music, and dance. By building a comprehensive communication toolkit, scholars will be able to express their authentic unique voices with confidence, seize opportunity, choose their own path, and become agents of change.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The Performing Arts teacher’s responsibilities fall under 3 categories: teaching, producing theatrical and community events and supporting/building the school culture.

TEACHING:

• Teach Uncommon School’s Performing Arts musical theatre curriculum which involves music, acting and movement (at Uncommon Schools this curriculum is already planned and written, so teacher is responsible to implement it).
• Implement curricula and activities to meet grade level performing arts standards
• Collaborate with our Performing Arts Team in curriculum development process.

PRODUCING:

• Direct and produce school productions annually (Community Circle, Latinx & Hispanic Show, Black History Show, Spring Musical and Moving Up Ceremony for every grade level annually)
• Adapt scripts annually
• Create or order costumes, sets, props when needed, assign costumes/adapt annually
• Supervise and craft production elements such as lights, sound, set.

SCHOOL CULTURE AND DAILY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:

• Produce and oversee the school’s Community Circle. This involves organizing all traffic patterns, chants, cheers, drummers, mascots, flags, working with principal to rehearse and prepare all students.
• Oversee breakfast for students daily, greeting students, visitors and assisting with the start of the day.
• Assisting around the school when not teaching if needed
• Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities
• Commit to continual professional growth, participating actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and other meetings if requested
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training in August

WRITING:

• Occasionally crafting new performance content with PA team and Dean to add to shows, sharing across program.
• Supporting with creation of curriculum materials to be shared across program.

Qualifications

• Musical theater skills (singing, acting and moving) and ability to model all 3 content areas
• Some production skills preferred such as producing, playwriting, directing, or technical support.
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
• Bachelor’s degree is required with GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Musical theater skills (singing, acting and moving) and ability to model all 3 content areas
• Some production skills preferred such as producing, playwriting, directing, or technical support.
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
• Bachelor’s degree is required with GPA 3.0 or higher.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Valid NJ Certification is helpful but not required.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon Schools’ core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
• If interested, please reach out to: Connie Graham Uncommon School’s North Star Academy Performing Arts K-8 c: 973-452-6989, cgraham@northstaracademy.org
• A minimum of 2 years of combined experience as a performer, producer, playwright, director, and/or technical support. 
• Prior to the start of employment, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Teacher certification is not a prerequisite for consideration at Uncommon Schools in the state of NJ, but you do need to meet NJ state certification eligibility requirements (a final undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduates on or after 9/1/16, or 2.75 if you graduated prior to 9/1/16). All instructional staff are required to become certified in the state of New Jersey within a reasonable period after beginning employment.

Additional Information

Salary range for this role is between $59,000 to $74,000

Uncommon Schools believes that people are our greatest resource for achieving our mission, and our total rewards (compensation, benefits, and other recognitions) are a key lever for attracting and retaining outstanding talent with relevant expertise. As an organization, we prioritize ensuring that the way people are compensated is rewarding, strategic, and fair. New hires are offered a salary commensurate with their experience and we offer generous benefits and time off and have extensive professional development opportunities.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions.